Today, Saturday 8 July, the UK Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, is attending the 2023 African Caucus Meeting in Cape Verde as the guest of honor. The Caucus brings together African Governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, along with senior management from these institutions. This visit marks Mitchell’s first trip to Cape Verde in his current role, and the UK is the only non-African country represented at the ministerial level.
In his closing speech to the Caucus, Minister Mitchell will urge the World Bank Group to maximize its existing resources and mobilize a significantly larger amount of private capital. The aim is to combat extreme poverty and assist vulnerable communities in adapting to the effects of climate change. Furthermore, he will call for an enhanced support system for the poorest nations and a more responsive World Bank Group that can efficiently assist countries during times of crisis.
The Minister will also applaud the World Bank’s recent commitment to implementing climate-resilient debt clauses, a measure that allows countries to suspend debt repayments in the event of a climate-related shock. The UK has played a leading role in advocating for these clauses.
Expressing his concerns about the impact of the climate crisis on Africa, Minister Andrew Mitchell stated, “The climate crisis is hitting millions of people first and hardest across Africa. Consequently, it is crucial that we promptly implement ambitious reforms to ensure that the international financial system effectively supports the most vulnerable countries in tackling the immense challenges they encounter. I’m grateful for the kind invitation from African governors of the World Bank to speak at their annual gathering and emphasize how Britain will support them in our common endeavors.”
During his visit, Minister Mitchell will also meet with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva to discuss the growing partnership between the UK and Cape Verde. Notably, Cape Verde has become a popular destination for British tourists, attracting around 300,000 visitors annually and ranking as the second most popular tourist spot in Africa for UK residents. The meeting is expected to cover topics such as maritime security cooperation, the new UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme, and increased collaboration on issues concerning Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Another important agenda item will be exploring ways in which the UK can support advocacy coordination among SIDS in Africa. The UK is a significant proponent of international financial reform to bolster climate action in these states. Earlier this year, the UK committed £1 million to spur action ahead of the upcoming once-in-a-decade SIDS Conference, including initiatives to improve preparedness for climate crises.
Minister Andrew Mitchell’s presence at the African Caucus Meeting underscores the UK’s commitment to addressing poverty, and climate change, and fostering partnerships with African nations. As the only non-African country represented at the ministerial level, the UK aims to contribute significantly to Africa’s development and climate resilience while strengthening bilateral relations with Cape Verde.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
